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Thomas taking steps to cut down on strikeouts

Thomas taking steps to cut down on strikeouts

ANAHEIM -- Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said outfielder Clete Thomas has been working to shorten his swing, as he's struggled to make contact since joining the club on April 15.

Thomas, who was claimed off waivers from the Tigers, entered Wednesday's game against the Angels hitting just .160 with 15 strikeouts in 25 at-bats. He also has struck out in 14 of his last 17 at-bats.

"He's been working on it in BP, and I don't know, it just doesn't look like he's seeing the ball real good," Gardenhire said. "I'm sure it's on his mind, so when you start thinking about those things, then the reverse happens, so hopefully he'll go up there and just be hacking away and see what happens. He's been working on shortening it up, and shooting the ball the other way."

Despite his struggles, Thomas was back in the lineup Wednesday night after going 0-for-3 with two strikeouts in Tuesday's loss. Thomas went a week in between starts before he started Tuesday night against the Angels.

"The only way he's going to get through it is to play a little bit here," Gardenhire said. "You can't get through it staying on the bench, so you give him a couple days, but you've still gotta get back in there, and you've gotta take some swings. That's how you get out of those things."